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Aroturuki Tamariki, the Independent Children’s Monitor, has slammed government agencies for failing to address the fundamental underlying problems that led to the murder of Malachi Subecz in 2021.
Chief executive Arran Jones says after the murder of the Tauranga five-year-old by his caregiver, a review by Dame Karen Poutasi identified gaps in the child protection system and made recommendations which have been ignored.
The recommendations were addressed to Oranga Tamariki, Education, Health, Social Development, Justice, Corrections and Police.
He says when agencies become aware a child may be at risk of harm, action needs to be taken.
In some areas multi-disciplinary efforts involving iwi, non-government organisations and government agencies have been effective.
“I do understand at times people will be hesitant to make notifications because of the consequences that may follow but they need to know who it is they can contact who can get through the front door and see and make sure these children are OK,” Mr Jones says.
Aroturuki Tamariki will continue to monitor any response to the Poutasi report.
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